Bellevue High School senior Ivan Salaveri told the Bellevue School Board of Directors on April 17 that he has received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy and will lead the board in the pledge and an Indigenous land acknowledgement.

Salaveri described the appointment as "the fulfillment of a dream" and thanked family members, coaches, teachers and Bellevue High staff for their support. He credited wrestling for shaping his character and noted the team's recent competitive successes, including state placings he and other teammates achieved. He also thanked teachers who helped spark his interest in STEM and said he hopes to inspire other district students who want to attend a service academy.

Board members and Superintendent Kelly Aramaki congratulated Salaveri and thanked him for his future service.